Early aging because ... being abused

Children who experience violence or bullying may be at risk of DNA damage, leading to an age of 7-10 years older than their peers.

This conclusion was made after researchers at the Institute of Genomics and Policy (US), measuring the cell life of children by studying end points of chromosomes, also known as telomeres, according to USA Today newspaper.

Telomeres are special DNA sequences that act like plastic ends of shoelaces, preventing DNA from chromosomes from being separated. Telomeres are getting shorter and shorter each time a cell divides, until the cell can't divide anymore and die.

Many previous studies have shown that shortened telomeres may be due to many factors, such as smoking, radiation and some psychological stress.

In the new study, experts examine whether experiencing violence has shortened their telomeres more than their peers.

Accordingly, the researchers interviewed mothers of 236 children aged 5, 7 and 10 about whether their children were subject to domestic violence, beatings or bullying. Then they measured the telomeres of these children.

The results showed that children who suffered at least two types of violence had telomeres shortened faster.

If not adjusted promptly, these children are at risk of heart disease and memory loss seven to 10 years earlier than their peers.

The study also showed that in some cases in children with violence, telomeres can be extended thanks to better nutrition, exercise and stress relief.